Treating Cough at Home

A number of things can be pursued as a first aid when you cough. Starting from, drink plenty of fluids, using a humidifier or vaporizer to soothe and relax the throat, elevate head on extra pillows at night to drink honey before bed.

Drinking Honey

Studies show that honey can help relieve cough. If you start to feel a raspy throat or a little sore, try drinking honey just before bed. But do not give honey to babies under 12 months.

Relieve cough with phlegm

If you cough up mucus, try to find the type of cough medicine "expectorant." Drugs of this type can thin the mucus to help your cough lasts well. Where the cough itself is one of the body's defense mechanism.

Although many cough medicines offered in the market, it could not hurt to consult a physician to consider the availability of OTC cough medicine at home. Similarly, talk to your doctor before using the medicine for a serious cough cough such as emphysema, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, and asthma.

Cough Medicines and Children

One thing worth noting, do not give any cough and cold medicines in children under 4. Why is that? It's more because, cough medication for children under 4 years old can be at risk of serious side effects.

If you have children aged 4 to 6 years old who suffer from cough, consult a doctor before giving cough and cold medicines. Or if you want to relieve your child's cough complaints over the age of 1 year but less than 6 years, can give ½ to 1 teaspoon of honey to thin the mucus.

Children can only be said to be at low risk of side effects when the drug was 6 years old and up.

Are Antibiotics Can Stop Coughing?

Unfortunately, no. Cough (especially cough and cold) is most commonly caused by a viral infection and can not be fought with antibiotics. Typically, cough caused by a virus alone will subside in a week. Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections.

If after a week of cough was also subsides, try to consult a doctor to confirm the cause of cough itself. It could be caused by a sinus infection or cough pneumonia. If so, required the use of antibiotics to help relieve cough.

Smokers Cough

Some smokers often have a cough in the morning. Do not underestimate! Although a disorder that has been used, but this could be more serious disorders.

Cigarette smoke irritate the respiratory tract, may turn out to be a symptom of chronic bronchitis and even cancer. If the cough seemed different than usual, try to stop smoking for a month and see the effect in the future. And, try to consult a pulmonary specialist to be certain.